Riga Dome Cathedral adorned with festive wreaths during Christmas season

AleWi|CC BY-SA 4.0

Christmas Markets in Riga

2 MarketsLatvia

Christmas markets in Riga

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Weather

Climate averages and forecast for Riga

9-Day Forecast

Updated daily from MET Norway

Sun

Nov 30

36°F

33°F

Mon

Dec 1

38°F

36°F

Tue

Dec 2

36°F

34°F

Wed

Dec 3

37°F

35°F

Thu

Dec 4

38°F

36°F

Fri

Dec 5

39°F

37°F

Sat

Dec 6

39°F

38°F

Sun

Dec 7

38°F

36°F

Mon

Dec 8

36°F

35°F

Typical Winter Weather

30-year average climate data for November through January

Typical Winter Weather

30-year average temperatures for Riga

Month	Average High	Average Low	Average Monthly Precipitation	Average Daily Sunshine
November	40°F	33°F	2.3 in	N/A
December	33°F	27°F	2 in	N/A
January	32°F	24°F	1.7 in	N/A

Weather forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)|Climate data: Source Meteostat (CC BY-NC 4.0, modified: avg temp calculated, unit conversion)

Experience Riga

Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

Christmas Markets in Riga, Latvia || European Christmas Market Tour 2024 Part 6

If you like these videos, support my channel by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/thetravelingzam The most wonderful time of the year has returned, and with it, my journey to Europe’s Christmas markets—this time, through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. I set out to explore how different cultures celebrate the season, visiting markets across five countries in just a few weeks. My sixth and final stop was Riga, Latvia. As I entered the Doma Market Square, I was instantly transported t

RIGA Christmas Market FOOD TOUR Is $50 Enough in LATVIA!?!?

Riga Latvia Christmas Market Tour. We are headed to 6 Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarket ) in Europe this Holiday Season. We have $50 to spend on a food tour at every Christmas Market. After visiting three amazing markets in Germany: Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich, we visited Prague in the Czech Republic, and have made our way to a NEW country for us: LATVIA! We are exploring the Riga Christmas Market. We will show you what 50 US dollars / 50 Euros will get you to eat and drink at this amazing,

The best Christmas market in Europe Riga, LATVIA, Travel guide, What to do and What to see

According to the annual Post Office Ltd Christmas Markets Report 2023, Riga remains the frontrunner of the best value Christmas Market break top for the fifth time! Welcome to RIGA, Latvia friends! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and give us a LIKE to help our channel to grow! #youtube #viral #travel #foryou #travel #travelvlog #wanderlust #travelgram #adventure #explore #trip #vacation #nature #traveltheworld #traveldiaries #globetrotter #backpacking #bucketlist #fyp Timestamps 00:00 Intr

Discover Riga

Explore the magical atmosphere of Riga's Christmas markets

AleWi|CC BY-SA 4.0

Riga Old Town square in winter snow showcasing medieval architecture

AleWi|CC BY-SA 4.0

Riga authentic Christmas market scene in winter with snow-dusted stalls

Андрей Романенко|CC BY-SA 4.0

Riga Christmas market stall glowing with festive lights and tree in winter

Rīgas pašvaldības aģentūra “Rīgas investīciju un tūrisma aģentūra”|CC BY 2.0

Plan Your Visit to Riga

Getting There

Riga International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, serves as the main gateway with connections throughout Europe. The city is well-connected by bus to neighboring Baltic capitals and major European cities. Travelers arriving by sea can use the passenger port, which connects Riga to Stockholm and other Baltic destinations.

Where to Stay

The Old Town and its immediate surroundings offer the most convenient access to major attractions, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels in restored historic buildings to modern options. The quiet streets just beyond the medieval core provide easy walking access while offering slightly lower prices and a more residential atmosphere.

Other Attractions

The Art Nouveau district showcases one of Europe's finest collections of early 20th-century architecture, with elaborately decorated facades lining Alberta and Elizabetes streets. The Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars, offers an authentic glimpse into Latvian food culture with local produce, smoked fish, and traditional delicacies. The medieval Old Town features cobblestone streets, guild houses, and St. Peter's Church, whose tower provides panoramic views across the city. The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum displays traditional wooden architecture and rural life from across Latvia's regions.

History & Culture

Founded in 1201 by German crusaders, Riga quickly became a vital Hanseatic League trading port, connecting Western Europe with Russia and Scandinavia. The city's strategic position at the mouth of the Daugava River brought centuries of prosperity but also successive rule by Germans, Poles, Swedes, and Russians, each leaving distinct cultural layers. This complex heritage is visible in the architecture, from medieval churches to baroque spires and art nouveau masterpieces. Riga's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves much of its medieval street plan and historic character despite wartime damage.

Christmas Market History: Riga claims one of Europe's oldest Christmas market traditions, with historical records suggesting festive gatherings in the city's main square dating back to 1510. The tradition centered around a decorated tree in the square, and while the custom faded during Soviet occupation, it was revived after Latvia regained independence in 1991. Today's markets honor this heritage while celebrating renewed national identity and the city's role as a cultural crossroads of the Baltic region.

2 markets • Sorted by popularity

Vecrīgas Ziemassvētku tirdziņš

Dome Square

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicCraft WorkshopsFamily FriendlyPetting Zoo

Riga's main Christmas market, held in the heart of the Old Town at Dome Square since 2000. Features traditional wooden stalls offering local crafts, Latvian cuisine, mulled Black Balsam, and family activities including Santa's house, pony rides, a manual carousel, and a petting area with sheep and bunnies. The market is located where the tradition of the decorated Christmas tree originated.

Christmas Market at Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park

Free Entry

Family FriendlyPetting ZooCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade Ornaments

A secondary Christmas market location in Riga, situated in Esplanade Park approximately 10-15 minutes walk from the main Dome Square market. Offers additional stalls with handmade gifts, food, and mulled wine in a park setting.

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